A pair of 20-member firefighting crews have joined the effort to keep the Swan Lake fire, burning near Sterling, contained. The crew compliment now numbers 67 and more are on the way.
According to today’s (Friday) situation report, the Pioneer Peak and Gannet Glacier Type 2 initial attack hand crews were sent in yesterday to bolster an indirect line on the southwestern portion of the blaze. That end of the fire threatens areas identified for protection, including a natural gas pipeline. Fire activity picked up on the northeastern corner of the fire as well, burning in denser black spruce stands.
Helicopter water drops are supporting the hand crews now, and temporary flight restrictions are in place over Sterling so water-bombers can operate unimpeded.
Additional aircraft and a third Type 2 hand crew, the UAF Nanooks, will join the effort Saturday. Crews have set up camps closer to the fire in an effort to respond more quickly.
The Swan Lake Fire now encompasses 8,400 acres, or 13 square miles. Thirty-two blazes have been reported on the Kenai Peninsula this season, though only nine are currently active. The Swan Lake Fire was started by lightning last week.
Rain is in the forecast for tonight and off and on through the weekend. Winds are expected to be light.
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